Landowners and operators are reminded that to receive payments from USDA, compliance with Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions are required.
Farmers with HEL determined soils are reminded of the tillage, crop residue and rotation requirements that are specified per their conservation plan. Producers are to notify the USDA Farm Service Agency prior to conducting land clearing or drainage projects to ensure compliance. Failure to obtain advance approval for any of these situations can result in the loss of eligibility for all USDA federal payments.
Agricultural producers are reminded to consult with FSA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) before breaking out new ground for production purposes, as doing so without prior authorization may put a producer’s federal farm program benefits in jeopardy. This is especially true for land that must meet HEL and WC provisions.
All row crop farms with HEL cropland have a conservations plan established. Producers that lease a new farm or purchase a new farm should obtain a copy of the conservation plan for that farm. The plan will identify any HEL fields and list any conservation requirements that must be met on that farm to retain eligibility for all USDA benefits.
Producers should notify FSA as a first point of contact prior to conducting land clearing or drainage type projects, such as clearing any trees to create new cropland or modifying existing drainage. These areas will need to be reviewed by NRCS to ensure such work will not risk eligibility for USDA benefits. Most wooded sections in the Delta are considered wetlands. If you own, lease or contract for a bulldozer, track hoe or a backhoe to perform clearing of any trees, or re-dredge any existing ditches, you should receive prior approval.
Landowners and operators must complete a revised form AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) certification to identify the proposed action and allow FSA to determine whether a referral to NRCS for further review is necessary.
Since 1985, all producers must file form AD-1026 to become eligible for any USDA benefits. The form is a continuous certification that all HEL and WC requirements will be followed by the participant and no work should be performed that might change that participant’s certifications without prior approval.
Direct Deposits
It is that time of the year again. October is the month for all CRP annual rental payments and ARC/PLC payments.
It is a requirement that all recipients of these payments have a direct deposit on file with FSA. If you change banks or if you change your bank account, you must notify FSA so that the Treasury funds for these payments will be able to be deposited into your current bank account. Failure to do so will delay your receipt of these payments.
